Future of Alternative Fuels

Working together in the area of alternative fuels is not new between DESC and ATA.

May added, “today’s announcement is a key step forward in a long-standing relationship of collaboration between our nation’s airlines and the military, and this alliance will generate tangible, long-lasting benefits for the entire country.“

Through the combined efforts of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiatives, a working group composed of ATA and DESC, fuels produced using the Fischer-Tropsch process were approved for use in commercial aviation in September. Additionally, approval of a new class of fuels – hydrotreated renewable jet – is expected in the second half of 2010.

“Development of alternative fuels as an energy solution to our customers and the commercial aviation industry is still in the initial stages, but actions such as this alliance will make those potential solutions a reality as we work together and leverage our capabilities,” said Kunkel. “We have outstanding, committed goals for alternative fuel and renewable energy in the future, but reaching our goals is a team and collaborative effort – no one can do it alone. This strategic alliance is creating one of those teams and we are happy to be part of it.”

The DESC, a field activity of the Defense Logistics Agency, is responsible for the end-to-end supply chain management of petroleum products for the Department of Defense’s customer base. The center’s mission is to provide energy solutions worldwide in the most effective and economical manner possible.

ATA is the premier trade association for the principal U.S. airlines. The association serves the airline industry and its customers in providing the world’s safest system of transportation, communicating technical expertise and operational knowledge to improve safety, service and efficiency; advocating fair airline taxation and regulation worldwide to foster a healthy, competitive industry; and by developing and coordinating industry actions that are environmentally beneficial, economically reasonable and technologically feasible.